Can Gas Cause Back Pain? Here’s the answer

Back pain is a common type of body pain experienced by about 80 percent of adults. It is also among the leading cause of absences from work. Back pain is attributed to plenty of reasons, one of which will be the subject of this article. Many people suffer from gas build-up that comes with back pain. Hence the question, can gas cause back pain?

This is a question that needs answer. While gas build-up in the abdomen is generally harmless, knowing what causes such condition and what you can do about it is still of great importance in improving overall wellness. This article answers some basic, yet relevant questions that serve as the foundation of your understanding about gas-caused back pain. By the end of this article, you will be knowledgeable enough to address your back pain concerns.

Can gas cause back pain?

The answer to this question is in the affirmative. Excess gas can indeed cause back pain. The pain comes about when the excess gas or air fills the abdomen. It feels tight causing discomfort and pain and since our back, which primarily supports the body, is prone to strain and injury, the pain reaches the back. The swelling of the abdomen, as a result of certain conditions lactose intolerance, celiac disease, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), is also a cause why your suffer from back pain. Back pain caused by excess gas is, moreover, caused by other reasons, which are important to determine the next steps you have to take. Some of these are as follows:

You eat too fast;

You drink carbonated beverages;

Using straw when drinking;

Chewing gum;

Gallstones;

Pregnancy;

Indigestion;

E Coli infections; and

Pre-menstrual syndrome.

What are the symptoms?

You may be suffering from back pain once in a while, but how do you know that such pain is caused by gas build-up in the abdomen. Here are the symptoms of a gas-related back pain.

Abdominal Pain. Gas-related back pain usually begins from an abdominal pain. As mentioned above, it is in the abdomen where excess gas builds up. Abdominal pain is the first indicator of a gas problem.

Chest Pain. In some cases, the abdominal pain also involves chest pain. The problem, however, is the fact that chest pain is likewise attributed to several other conditions.

How do I know if it is more serious than a back pain caused by gas?

The presence of gas in the body is a normal occurrence in the digestive process. Apart from the abovementioned causes, gas in the body can also be by-product of the food we eat. You will know if it is normal if you get relief from the pain when you pass gas or when it does not get worse. If you make small tweaks like eating slower that you usually do or cutting back on dairy of high-fat foods, a back pain caused by gas eases and completely goes away.

However, the back pain could also be an implication of a more serious condition that, in one way or another, share similar symptoms with gas pain. Excessive gas indicates that something is wrong with your body, which includes Crohn’s disease, kidney stones, ulcer, appendicitis, ovarian cysts, colitis, liver disease, tumor in the abdomen, and cancer in the ovaries, stomach, or pancreas. The crucial part, however, is determining when it becomes excessive. Nonetheless, there are pointers that help you determine if such pain is a simple gas pain on the back or a more risky ailment. Immediate attention is required when back pain comes with fever and chills, difficulty in breathing, loss of consciousness, nausea, and blood in the stool.

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What are some ways to treat back pain caused by gas?

Generally, back pain caused by gas can be treated naturally and without medical intervention. Here are some helpful ways to alleviate pain, while targeting main cause which is gas build-up. Not only that, most of the enumerated solutions set forth in this article double as preventive measures against gas back pain.

The fastest way to ease the back pain is by taking or applying pain relievers, which can be bought over the counter.

If you want to skip the over-the-counter pain relievers, you can use cold or ice application or heat application on your back for immediate relief.

Probiotics are also considered effective for people who suffer from frequent back pain caused by gas. Your favorite yogurt is a rich source of probiotic elements that bring the much needed relief.

Drinking plenty of water can reduce bloating, which could be hurting your back. Hot water, in particular, helps in times you need instant relief.

Aside from water, try sipping some tea like peppermint, chamomile, and even ginger tea. These plants are well known for their impressive health benefits. As for gas pain on the back, these ingredients contain anti-inflammatory properties. Tea is your top choice if you want a natural way of alleviating back pain.

Take several small meals and do not forget to eat slowly. Instead of limiting your food intake into three large meals, you can improve your digestion process when you take several small meals. As gas can be a by-product of undigested food, it is thus advised to east or chew your food slowly. When you eat slowly and at the same time chewing the food properly, you prevent the air from getting inside your stomach and intestine.

Avoid carbonated drinks and other food source of gas like alcohol, chewing gum, artificial sweeteners, and dairy products. While fruits and vegetables are healthy, there are those which must be eaten in moderation because of the high fiber content that contributes to gas pain in the back. These include onion, artichoke, and cauliflower.

Exercising regularly does not only help you lose weight, it also improves digestion or the digestive system. A short walk after a meal prevents formation of gas allows easy passage through the digestive tract.

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Conclusion

Now you know the answer of "Can gas cause back pain". Build up of gas in the body as well as back pain are interrelated with each other. The presence of excess gas exposes us to discomfort and pain. The right way to address and resolve the problem is by determining what causes the same and its corresponding solution. There are many preventive measures one can do to achieve back pain-free days. Making changes in your lifestyle can improve your condition. If symptoms persist for more than 24 hours or when this get worse, then you may be placed in a situation that calls for immediate medical assistance.